The Superdome statue commemorating Steve Gleason's famous blocked punt has a curious omission: only the figure of Gleason, flying through the air and touching the ball with his outstretched fingers has a name and a team a viewer can determine.

The reason: the Atlanta Falcons refused to grant the Saints and sculptor Brian Hanlon permission to use the Falcons' symbol or the punter's name in the piece, titled 'Rebirth,' according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The Saints repeatedly sought permission from the Falcons, even urging officials in Atlanta to appeal directly to Falcons owner Arthur Blank, sources said. The Falcons told the Saints that appeal had been made, but it remained unclear if Blank personally forbid the use of the trademarks or if underlings simply brushed aside the request from a division rival.

When Gleason gained New Orleans immortality by blocking that punt on Sept. 26, 2006, he did so along with Falcons punter Michael Koenen, Koenen entered the lore, too. His name, number and the Falcon helmet are clearly visible in the banner of the play that hangs above the Saints indoor practice facility.

And Koenen, now with TampaBay, has accepted his place in New Orleans history with grace. He and Gleason chatted together and posed for pictures last season when the Buccaneers came to the Superdome.

Koenen tweeted about the statue Friday afternoon.

"Awesome day for an inspirational man in @teamgleason," Koenen wrote. "God bless you in your fight partner!! Half of me likes your statue;)"